With the growing popularity of both 90s cover bands and 90s Flashback Nights at more and more nightspots, the music of the decade before Y2K is the NEW Oldies. While some of these performers are still around, many disappeared faster than you can say “Hootie And The Blowfish”. Nostalgia is in and if you’re planning a Nineties Party here are the Top 10 Best Party Songs Of The 1990s!

“California Love”- 2Pac

Tagline: California, knows how to party

A driving keyboard loop and addictive beat power the definitive song signaling the rise of West Coast Hip Hop culture in the 90s. Originally a Dr. Dre song, 2Pac’s vocal swagger makes it his own and helps create the Gangsta Rap genre.

“U Can’t Touch This”- MC Hammer

Tagline: My-my-my-my music makes me so hard makes me say oh my Lord Thank you for blessing me with a mind to rhyme and two hype feet

One part Guilty Pleasure and one part funky rap track, Hammer stole the baseline from Rick James’ “Super Freak” and never looked back. It will have you hoping for the day that muscle pants come back into vogue but PLEASE leave the fanny pack at home!

“Baby Got Back”- Sir Mix-a-Lot

Tagline: My anaconda don’t want none unless you got buns hun

Anthony Ray changed his name and released a string of forgettable Hip Hop songs in the 80s. Then in 1991, He struck Gold with “Baby Got Back”, a song worshipping female curves in clever yet somewhat graphic description. The song continues to be one of the most requested at parties, clubs and weddings.

“Mustang Sally”- Commitments

Tagline: Mustang Sally guess you better slow your Mustang down

This gritty, Blues inspired Rock song is a revamp of a Wilson Pickett Oldie. It has the perfect tempo to freestyle dance to… or Electric Slide (remember that?) The Commitments movie won a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and for the Academy Award for Best Film Editing in 1991.

“Wannabe”- Spice Girls

Tagline: If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends

A female version of a 90’s Boy Band, The Spice Girls will never be known for insightful lyrics or great singing but for mindless fun, this is as good as it gets. Tell me what you want, what you really really want…

“Here Comes the Hotstepper”- Ini Kamoze

Tagline: Here comes the hot stepper I’m the lyrical gangster

13 years after his first single was released, the Jamaican reggae singer hit it big with “Hotstepper”. The drums and bass mimic a synchronized heartbeat as Kamoze raps over the top of this Dancehall inspired smash.

“Whoomp! (There It Is)”- Tag Team

Tagline: There’s a party over here A party over there Wave your hands in the air Shake your deriere

The lyrics, “Partee Peepoooooooole…” hook you in from the first note and the throbbing baseline keeps you glued to the dance floor. “Whoomp! There It Is” became a worldwide meme as the song’s popularity soared.

“Enjoy The Silence”- Depeche Mode

Tagline: Words like violence Break the silence Come crashing in Into my little world

These Goth inspired 80s icons scored big with this murky, synth driven dirge which simultaneously demonstrated their continued longevity and signaled the end of the New Wave era. Dark yet danceable, the song has also been faithfully covered by Anberlin, Tori Amos, Keane and Lacuna Coil.

“Smooth”- Santana Feat. Rob Thomas

Tagline: Man, it’s a hot one Like seven inches from the midday sun

Don’t call it a comeback! This crossover juggernaut took Santana from all but forgotten 70s Rock legend to the top of the charts in 1999 and introduced his music to new generations of fans. The song’s fusion of Latin and Rock simmers with Rob Thomas’ seductive vocals adding even more steam.

“This Is How We Do It”- Montell Jordan

Tagline: This is how we do it It’s Friday night, and I feel all right

This perennial party favorite never fails to jam the dance floor with it’s irresistible beat and Funk rhythm. The now 20 plus year old one hit wonder can currently be heard on Dish TV commercials and at parties everywhere.

“Never There/ Short Skirt/Long Jacket” -Cake

Tagline: I want a girl with a short skirt and a lonnnng jacket……

These 90s Rockers had a short string of hits delivered in John McCrea’s deadpan vocal style. Post 80s emotional detachment has never been so much fun!

“Ice Ice Baby”- Vanilla Ice

Tagline: All right stop, Collaborate and listen Ice is back with my brand new invention

A catchy bassline so blatantly stolen from “Under Pressure” by Queen and David Bowie that eventually Vanilla Ice had to publicly admit it, this one hit wonder continues to be one of the most popular Guilty Pleasures in history. The rapper formerly known as “Rob Van Winkle” was once so notable Madonna actually dated him for several months in 1990. A string of run-ins with the law hasn’t tarnished the popularity of his song but like Vanilla Ice, it’s great fun for a minute then quickly loses it’s appeal.

Bonus Song:

“Santeria”- Sublime

Tagline: I don’t practice Santeria I ain’t got no crystal ball

The perfect Reggae inspired ditty for sharing a 40 ouncer at the beach while dancing around a campfire. Straight outta Long Beach, Sublime’s discography also includes hits “Wrong Way” and “What I Got”.